Van Guard News

Ford’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) Transit has gone on sale in the UK. The van is also joined by a new engine option - a five-speed 114hp 2.2-litre TDCi to replace the current 2.2-litre 109hp five-speed unit. From early next year, all drivelines will also have a standard diesel particulate filter, claimed to reduce particulates by 95%. In addition, a standard shift indicator light in cab will inform the driver when best to change gear to reduce CO2 emissions.

Skoda is running a special offer with its Roomster: upgrade free from Roomster 1 to Roomster 2 specification, or from Roomster 2 to 3, or from Roomster 3 to Scout.

This is effectively a £1000 saving; the offer runs till the end of September.

In France, the new Berlingo Multispace is Le Second Multispace: that is to say it is not La Deuxieme Multispace because deuxieme is the second of many items, but Second because the French word ’second’ means the second of only two items. So if the latest Multispace is Le Second, that makes the first one Le Premier, which it isn’t, because Le Second is far superior to Le Premier, which nonetheless remains on sale.

Skoda is offering buyers a free £1,000 trim upgrade on the Skoda Roomster.

The Czech company is offering buyers of the Skoda Roomster midi-MPV a free upgrade to the next trim level until the end of September.

At the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, from September 23 to October 2, 2008, the international automotive supplier Continental will be presenting a wide range of products and services for commercial vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and special-purpose vehicle manufacturers.

There may be concern over falling sales in the car arena, but the van is a vital ingredient in the lifeblood of the nation and rolls on regardless.

At its launch the Peugeot Bipper created a completely new van segment and is one of the greenest vans available. The addition of an electronically controlled five-speed manual gearbox makes it an even better choice for busy urban drivers.

The new Peugeot Bipper van, the latest addition to Peugeot´s comprehensive LCV range, has been awarded best new van award at the 2008 UK Fleet World Honours.

Citroen´s smallest light commercial vehicle, the C2 Enterprise 1.4HDi has just been given a fresh new look for 2008. The face-lifted C2 Enterprise also boasts improved audio equipment and an upgraded optional air conditioning pack – all without any price increase. The C2 Enterprise van has a list price of £7,945 + VAT + delivery – and with the current customer offer, it is available priced from just £6,995 + VAT + delivery.

A new web site has been launched which aims to make the process of finding and buying the most appropriate van, pick-up or mini-bus, much easier and quicker – at the best possible deal.